Article with 3-dimensional secondary element

ABSTRACT

An article having a generally domed-shaped crown and an exterior surface. A secondary element extending from the exterior surface at an intersection area between the crown and the secondary element. A portion of the exterior surface of the crown typically being raised above the intersection area to give the appearance that the secondary element has torn, morphed, splashed, cracked or phase changed, such as by melting, through the crown. The secondary element is typically indicative of a particular sporting club and the article is typically a helmet. The secondary element is also typically integrally molded with the crown.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/797,347, filed on Mar. 10, 2004, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

My invention relates broadly to articles, novelties, paraphernalia andthe like having three-dimensional secondary elements connected theretoor integrally molded therewith, and configured in a manner so as to beindicative of a sporting team. It is well known that professional andamateur sporting clubs have specific insignias, logos or mascots todistinctly identify each club. In order to show their loyalty to thesporting club, fans of the clubs often wear articles of apparel ordisplay objects adorned with images emblematic of such insignias, logosor mascots. For sporting events requiring use of a helmet, such asfootball, one of the most popular apparel or display items is a footballhelmet that may be associated with a specific team. Such helmets arefrequently worn or displayed by fans.

The prior art abounds with helmets incorporating a particular team'sinsignia, emblem or mascot. Often, fans simply wear a helmet identicalto those worn by the players on the field. Unlike the present invention,these helmets only have two-dimensional images, rather thanthree-dimensional sculptures.

Helmets or baseball style hats having a three-dimensional team insigniasare known. Such helmets and hats are often adorned with soft, spongysculptures indicative of a particular team. Heretofore, the sculptureshave been attached to the hats or helmets via non-permanent means, suchas hook and loop type fasteners, buttons, sewn seams, adhesives, and thelike. Generally, the transition between the hat or helmet and thesculptured portion is very distinct. No apparent effort has been made toincorporate a smooth transition from the sculpted image to the hat orhelmet.

Helmets with three-dimensional sculptures adorned thereon are alsoknown, such as those used as motorcycle helmets. In use for motorcyclehelmets, the sculpted images are generally made from rubbery or othersoft or elastic material such as latex and simply adhered to an existinghelmet. Helmets of this type specifically utilize rubbery or flexiblematerial, as this material absorbs impacts for increased safety and isless likely to be broken off upon use. Again, no apparent attempt hasbeen made to incorporate a smooth transition from the sculpted image tothe helmet. In addition, there has been no apparent attempt to form thehelmet and sculpted object in such a manner as to give an impressionthat the sculpted object is anything but simply adhered to the helmet.

It would therefore be desirable to have a novel article or item ofparaphernalia, preferably a helmet, which may be worn or displayed andwhich incorporates a secondary element appearing to effect the overallintegrity of the helmet. For example, it would be desirable toincorporate a secondary element with a helmet where the secondaryelement is either extending from the torn article, morphing from withinthe article, splashing through a “liquefied” article, extending from acracked article, or extending through an article having undergone aphase change, such as by melting. Preferably, these secondary elementswould be associated with a particular sporting team.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for headgearcomprising a generally domed-shaped crown having an exterior surface anda decorative secondary element extending from the exterior surface at anintersection area between the crown and the secondary element. A portionof the exterior surface of the crown may be raised above theintersection area to evince an association between the secondary elementand the manner in which it extends from the crown.

The secondary element and the crown may be integrally molded to oneanother.

The secondary element may be indicia suggesting or identifying one of aparticular sporting club, a business name and a corporate logo.

The secondary element may be indicia identifying one of a mascot and ateam name.

The secondary element may be only partially formed.

The headgear may further comprise a facemask connected to the crown.

The raised portion of the exterior surface of the crown may give theappearance of the secondary element tearing through the crown.

The raised portion of the exterior surface of the crown may give theappearance of the secondary element morphing out of the crown.

The raised portion of the exterior surface of the crown may give theappearance of the secondary element splashing through the crown in aliquefied state.

The raised portion of the exterior surface of the crown may give theappearance of the secondary element cracking the crown.

The raised portion of the exterior surface of the crown may give theappearance of the secondary element altering the phase of the crown. Thephase altering may be melting.

The intersection area may be non-linear. The intersection area may benon-geometric.

The raised portion of the exterior surface of the crown may be jagged.

The headgear may further comprise crown particles in the raised portion,the crown particles having the appearance of having been separated fromthe crown. The appearance of separation may be by cracking.

The raised portion of the exterior surface of the crown may completelycircumscribe the intersection area.

The secondary element may be non-elastomeric.

The crown may further include an interior surface with the headgearfurther comprising padding attached to the interior surface.

The crown and the secondary element may be monolithic.

The secondary element may be horns to identify or suggest the LosAngeles Rams of the National Football League.

The secondary element may be a block of cheese to identify or suggestthe Green Bay Packers of the National Football League.

The secondary element may be a dolphin fin to identify or suggest theMiami Dolphins of the National Football League.

The secondary element may be a rivet to identify or suggest thePittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.

The headgear may further comprise artwork adorning the crown, whereinthe secondary element may be associated with the artwork.

In another embodiment, a helmet comprises a crown having a generallydomed-shaped first portion and a second portion raised from the firstportion. A secondary element may be attached to the first portion at anattachment area and the second portion may extend above the attachmentarea.

The crown and the secondary element may be integrally molded to oneanother.

The secondary element may be indicative of a sporting club.

The secondary element may be non-elastomeric.

The crown and the secondary element may be monolithic.

In yet another embodiment, a helmet may comprise a crown having agenerally domed-shaped first portion and a second portion raised fromthe first portion. A secondary element may be attached to the secondportion at an attachment area and the second portion may extend abovethe attachment area.

The crown and the secondary element are integrally molded to oneanother.

The secondary element may be indicative of a sporting club.

The secondary element may be non-elastomeric.

The crown and the secondary element may be monolithic.

In a further embodiment, a helmet may comprise a generally domed-shapedcrown having an exterior surface, a facemask attached to the crown, anda secondary element extending from the exterior surface of the crown.The secondary element and the crown may be integrally molded to oneanother.

The crown and the secondary element may be monolithic.

The secondary element may be non-elastomeric.

The secondary element and the crown may be molded to give the appearanceof the crown tearing from pressure applied by the secondary element.

The secondary element and the crown may be molded to give the appearanceof the secondary element morphing from the crown.

The secondary element and the crown may be molded to give the appearanceof the secondary element splashing through the crown in a liquefiedstate.

The secondary element and the crown may be molded to give the appearanceof the secondary element cracking the crown.

The secondary element and the crown may be molded to give the appearanceof the crown having undergone a phase alteration.

In another embodiment, a helmet may comprise a generally domed-shapedcrown having an exterior surface, a facemask attached to the crown, anda secondary element extending from the exterior surface of the crown.The secondary element and the crown may be integrally molded to oneanother and the secondary element may appear to have morphed from thecrown.

In still a further embodiment, an article for promoting a sporting clubmay comprise a base having a concave underside surface and a skirt atleast partially circumscribing the underside surface. The article may beadapted to be attached to the convex crown of a helmet such that theskirt extends above the attachment point of the concave undersidesurface with the convex crown.

The skirt may be adapted to give the appearance of the article tearingthrough the helmet when attached thereto.

The skirt may be adapted to give the appearance of the article morphingfrom the helmet when attached thereto.

The skirt may be adapted to give the appearance of the article splashingthrough the helmet when attached thereto.

The skirt may be adapted to give the appearance of the helmet beingcracked when attached thereto.

The skirt may be adapted to give the appearance of the helmet havingundergone a phase alteration when attached thereto.

The skirt may be non-geometric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation,together with features, objects, and advantages thereof will be orbecome apparent to one with skill in the art upon reference to thefollowing detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings.It is intended that any additional organizations, methods of operation,features, objects or advantages ascertained by one skilled in the art beincluded within this description, be within the scope of the presentinvention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

In regard to the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a helmet in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a frontal view of a helmet in accordance with a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of a helmet in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of a helmet in accordance with a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the helmet of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a frontal view of a helmet in accordance with a fifthembodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following is described the preferred embodiments of my articlewith three-dimensional secondary element. In describing the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for thesake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited tothe specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

My invention is generally directed to articles having three-dimensionalsecondary elements. Preferred articles include helmets and hats. Forease of description, the concluding portions of this specification willgenerally discuss my invention in regard to the most preferredembodiment, that of a football helmet. It will be appreciated, however,that various other types of helmets, including sporting helmets such ashockey, baseball batting helmets, skiing, skateboarding, in-lineskating, roller skating, motor sport helmets, climbing helmets, and thelike may be utilized. Various non-sport related helmets may also beincluded. These include fireman's helmets, diving helmets, helmets forindividuals with certain medical conditions, and the like. Otherembodiments of the present invention may be directed to articles whichare neither helmets or hats. Such embodiments include furniture such aheadboards or chairs, office supplies such a staplers or tapedispensers, or other articles of manufacture.

Although sharing ties with each other, my invention can be broken downinto general categories, which I refer to as tearing, morphing,splashing, cracking, and phase altering. The categories include similarcharacteristics that may not always be discussed with regard to eachembodiment. Rather, the differences between embodiments will generallybe detailed below.

Generally, the tearing category refers to helmets in which a secondaryelement is extending either from within the helmet or into the helmetand where the helmet appears to be torn by the secondary element. A tornhelmet is typically one that is molded to included jagged edges whichmay also be bent slightly either into the helmet in the instance wherethe secondary element extends into the helmet, or out of the helmet inthe instance where the object extends from within the helmet. Examplesof a helmet having undergone a tearing effect are shown in FIGS. 1-5.

A morphed helmet is one in which a secondary element appears to beformed or otherwise molded from the helmet itself. The transition fromthe helmet itself into the secondary element is typically smooth andcontinuous. Colorings, such as images or emblems, may also morph suchthat they smoothly transition from the helmet to the extending object.Although the helmet crown itself may morph to some degree, it ispreferred that the general appearance and functionality of the helmet beretained. Examples of a helmet having undergone a morphing effect areshown in FIGS. 6-8.

The splashed helmet gives the impression of a secondary elementsplashing through a helmet, such as would occur if the helmet wereliquified. The splashing may either be into the helmet, so as to form asplash or ripple of the type formed when a diver dives into a pool, orfrom the helmet so as to form a wave or a wake of the type a boat formsas it sails across water. Examples of a helmet having undergone thesplashing effect are shown in FIGS. 9-10.

A helmet which gives the impression of being cracked is similar to thatpreviously described as being torn. However, in a cracked helmet, thehelmet itself generally does not bend or otherwise distort a greatenough degree to give the impression of having been torn. Rather, acracked helmet retains the general shape of an undisturbed helmet, butincludes cracked edges, which may bend slightly, as the secondary objectpenetrates through. Particles broken from the cracked helmet may alsoappear, such as in the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

A helmet which gives the impression of having undergone a phase alteringeffect is one that has had the material comprising the helmet alteredfrom its conventional phase, such as from a solid to a liquid bymelting. Portions of the helmet may appear as a free flowing liquid,such as shown in the examples presented in FIGS. 14 and 15, where asecondary object which has been heated is shown to be piercing a helmetwith localized melted areas.

I have found it most advantageous to create my novel helmet through theuse of a retrofitting process incorporating manufactured helmets readilyavailable in the marketplace. Of course, it may also be possible to formthe helmet of my invention directly, without retrofitting a conventionalhelmet. Such direct formation is likely preferred for a mass producedset of helmets meeting the specifications herein detailed.

The method I utilize for constructing the inventive helmet is describedbelow. In no means is this method intended to be the only methodpossible. In addition, each of the steps I performed was performed inthe order indicated. Nevertheless, the steps may be performed indifferent orders, with equally successful results. The present listingis in no means intended to be exclusive of other orders of operation, oradditional or fewer steps.

I first obtain a sport helmet of the type readily available in themarketplace. I then remove all of the hardware and padding, includingthe facemask, padding and chinstrap assemblies. I also remove alladhesive logos, such as the vinyl logos typically applied to helmets ofthis type. I then mount the helmet on a temporary base.

In order to mount the helmet on a temporary base I drill a ¼″ diameterhole in the uppermost portion of the crown of the helmet. I also drill⅛″ diameter holes on the front left and front right sides of the helmetapproximately ¾″ down from the middle and 2″ back from the front edge,in the vicinity of the conventional ear hole. Utilizing a 4″×4″×6″wooden block securing a ¼″ diameter threaded rod approximately 1½′ inlength extending outwardly from the block, I create a mount for thehelmet. I secure the helmet onto the threaded rod by first installing anut on the rod, then placing the helmet over the rod through the ¼″diameter hole drilled in the top of the helmet crown, and then securingthe helmet with a second nut placed over the top of the crown. Washersmay also be used between the helmet and the nuts.

While the initial steps may be utilized for any helmet, the followingsteps will be described with relation to a helmet formed withthree-dimensional ram horns tearing through the crown, such as might beproduced for fans of the St. Louis Rams of the National Football Leagueor the Colorado State Rams of National Collegiate Athletic Association.A helmet of the type produced by this procedure is shown in FIGS. 1-5.

Once secured on the wooden base, I then coat the outside of the helmetwith a thin layer of petroleum jelly. I then place ⅛″ diameter aluminumarmature wire through each of the ⅛″ diameter holes previously drilledon the left and right sides of the helmet. The ends of the armature wireare then anchored on the inside of the helmet by bending the wire intothe helmet, against the inner surface. The remainder of the wireexterior to the crown of the helmet is formed into the configuration ofram horns. Each of the armature wires is then built up with layers of atwo-part epoxy putty shaped to form ram horns. At the point ofintersection between the helmet and the newly formed horns, the epoxyputty is molded and feathered into a skirt to create the illusion thatthe horns are tearing through the helmet. Additional epoxy is then addedto the skirt at the intersection of the helmet and the horn to representthe torn portion of the helmet now folded over to give the appearance ofhaving been torn away by the sudden growth of the ram horn. Once all ofthe epoxy dries, fine details are added using files and rotary tools.

At this point in the process the horned helmet is then ready to bemolded. In order to form the mold, I clean off the horned sculpture withbrushes and air supplied from an air gun. I also use a clean, dry clothwith rubbing alcohol to clean off any remaining dust or debris. I thendrill holes to accommodate a size 4×1″ long sheet metal screw on thebottom outside curve of each horn. On each screw I place a 5/16″ outsidediameter by 3/16″ inside diameter rubber vent to approximately 3″ inlength. I then apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly over the hornsculptures, the helmet, and the vent tubes.

The left side horn and the left side helmet are then covered with arubber molding compound. I follow this by covering the right side hornand the right side of the helmet with a rubber molding compound, beingcareful not to permit the two sides to touch. By successively layeringthe rubber molding material, I build the material up to a thickness ofapproximately ¼″ around each horn, the helmet, and the vent tubes. Oncethe molding compound is dry, I straighten out each armature from insidethe helmet and remove the rubber mold and horns together as a singlepiece per side.

On the base of each horn (the portion previously touching the helmet), Iapply a second tube using the same process previously described. Thistube is intended to be used as a fill tube, and is slipped over thearmature wire. Approximately ¾″ from the fill tube I drill another holeto accommodate a size 4×1″ long sheet metal screw. I then place a thirdtube, identical to the others, over this screw. I apply a thin coat ofpetroleum jelly around the base of the horn, the vent tubes, and theedge of the rubber mold around the base of the horn. Finally, I apply arubber molding compound to the base of the horn, the outer edge of therubber mold, and around the tubes while keeping the openings clear. Thehorn mold is now ready to be cast.

In order to make the reinforcing cast, I first cut and soakapproximately one hundred 1″×3″ strips of burlap fabric in cold waterfor 15 minutes each. I then wring out each strip until they are slightlydamp. I also apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly around the entireoutside of the ram horn mold and tubes.

The burlap strips are then soaked in plaster of paris for a short time.I take the strips and apply them to the outside of the rubber molds inthree separate casting sections—one on the left side of the horn mold,one on the right side of the horn mold, and one on the base. Between theapplication of sections I wait for the previous section to dry. I alsoapply petroleum jelly to ensure that the three sections do not stick toeach other. At this point it is helpful to note that while building thecasts around the tubes, I make sure that each of the holes remain open.I build this cast thickness to about 1½″, and then repeat for the othermolds.

In order to remove the sculpture from the mold, I use a screwdriver witha slotted head to pry away the casts, being careful not to apply enoughpressure to break the mold. I then remove the rubber mold base bypulling it off of the casts. I utilize a razor knife to cut through themolding on the edge of the horn and then remove the sculptured horn.Each of these steps is then repeated for the other horn.

I then clean the inside of each rubber mold with soapy water and asponge or cloth. The rubber molds are then rinsed off with clean waterand air dried.

In order to cast the final plastic horn, I spray the inside of therubber mold and the base of the mold, including the vent and fill tubes,with two thin coats of universal mold release. I assemble the rubbermolds together with the plaster casts. Using a crank strap, I fasten theplaster cast together. I then prepare a 60 cc syringe for filling themolds.

I prepare the syringe by fastening a new fill tube to the syringe withelectrical tape. I then remove the plunger from the syringe and spray athin coat of universal mold release into the interior of the syringe andthe plunger. I cover the outside of the fill tube with a thin coat ofpetroleum jelly. The syringe is then filled with an uncured rigidurethane casting compound. After inserting the fill tube of the syringeinto the fill hole of the mold, I fill the mold until the urethanecasting compound reaches the uppermost portion of the top vent tube. Ithen permit the casting compound to dry and remove the plaster cast andthe rubber mold from the final plastic horn. I then repeat these stepsfor the second horn.

In order to mount the horns to the helmet, I obtain a second new helmetand remove all the hardware and padding. I do not remove the vinyl ramhorn logo yet. Rather, I take a razor knife and cut along the outline ofthe vinyl horn logo to score, or otherwise cut a groove into, thehelmet. Once the helmet is scored, I remove the vinyl ram logo.

The entire helmet may then be sanded on both its inside and outsidesurfaces using 400-600 grit wet sandpaper. While sanding, I am carefulnot to entirely sand away the scored outline of the logo. The helmet maythen be cleaned with tap water, dried, and then cleaned with rubbingalcohol. Once completely cleaned and dried, the scored ram logo may beoutlined with blue automotive tape which is typically 1/16″ to ⅛″ thick.This outlining is typically repeated five times in order to build up thethickness of the tape. It will be appreciated that the outlining isconducted on the outside of the logo such that the tape creates a wallsurrounding the logo.

Metalset A-4 epoxy may then be used to fill the inside of the walled-inlogo. A Popsicle stick may be utilized to level the epoxy to the heightof the outlined tape. Once the initial layer is dried, the epoxy may besanded, cleaned and recoated with additional epoxy until the logo is thecorrect thickness and smoothness. The tape outline may then be removedand the logo wet sanded. The helmet is now prepared for application ofthe ram horns.

Once the helmet is prepared, I take one horn and aligned it onto thehelmet. I then draw a pencil outline onto the helmet around the base ofthe horn. Using 200-400 grit sandpaper, I sand the base of the horn. Ithen clean the helmet and the base of the horn with rubbing alcohol andapply Metalset A-4 to the base of the horn and within the pencil outlineof the horn base previously traced on the helmet. I then align the ramhorn onto the helmet and sand the base of the horn and the helmet toblend the two together. I add more Metalset A-4 and re-sand the base ofthe horn and the helmet until they completely blend as one. I thenlightly wet sand the horn with 400 grit sandpaper. At this point, theraw helmeted horn is completed, and it is ready for painting.

In order to paint the helmeted horn, I clean the horns and the helmetinside and out with DuPont® 2319S Plastic-Prep. I then spray the helmetand horns with two coats of DuPont® 2322S Plastic Adhesion Promoter. Ithen apply two coats of DuPont® white paint.

Once each of those components dries, I spray the helmet with its finishcolor both inside and outside with 2-3 light coats of paint. The helmetcolor for this particular helmet for use by a St. Louis Rams fan isblue, although other colors may obviously be used for other teams, orfor so-called “alternate” uniforms of the St. Louis Rams. Once thehelmet itself is painted, I mask off the helmet and begin to paint thehorns.

In order to paint the horns, I spray the horns with a series of variouscolors until I obtain the desired effect. I finish off the horns with amatt finish clear coat. I then apply a clear coat of gloss finish to thehelmet itself. To complete the project, I reinstall the helmet hardwareand padding, to achieve the finished result.

This procedure is understandably most appropriate for a limitedproduction run of horned helmets. Other procedures, which are likelymore appropriate for mass production, but which would be prohibitivelyexpensive for a limited run, include casting the entire helmet in amulti part mold, preferably a two-part mold. This two-part mold couldhave half of the helmet with one horn in a first mold and the other halfof the helmet with the other horn in a second mold. The two halves couldbe joined at the center-line of the helmet, connecting the right andleft sides, and sonic welded to form a complete helmet. Once completed,the helmet may be painted. Alternatively, the entire mold may beproduced in the anticipated finished color for the helmet, with only thehorns, both three-dimensional and those on the helmet itself, beingpainted. Finally, the horns may be molded and simply adhered to thehelmet with the skirt area “hiding” the intersection area of the hornand the helmet.

Referring now to the Figures, various embodiments of my novel inventionare shown. FIG. 1 depicts a frontal view of helmet 100 in accordancewith a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 thehelmet 100 is a football helmet and generally comprises each of theelements of a conventional football helmet. In that regard, helmet 100comprises a domed or generally bowl-shaped crown 102 with earpieces 104extending therefrom.

The helmet 100 also comprises a face mask 106 connected to both thecrown 102 and the earpieces 104 by a plurality of mounting straps 108.Each mounting strap 108 is generally formed of a strip of material,preferably plastic, which is wrapped around the face mask 106 andsecured to the crown 102 or earpiece 104 by screws 110. It will beappreciated that the face mask 106 includes an upper portion 112 and alower portion 114. The upper portion 112 generally consists of a singlebar around which the mounting straps 108 may wrap. The lower portion 114extends outwardly from the crown 102 and earpiece 104 and may consist ofa series of bars forming a grid. One familiar with the game of footballwill readily note that a variety of face mask 106 styles may beutilized, each generally adapted to be suitable to the particularposition of the player utilizing the particular facemask.

Mounted to the interior surface 116 of the crown 102 is padding 118. Thecrown 102 of the helmet 100 is also adorned with an insignia 120, whichin this case comprises a pair of painted ran horns.

In addition to the conventional elements previously described, thehelmet 100 of this embodiment also includes a pair of horns 122 tearingout from the exterior surface 124 of the crown 102. The crown 102 of thehelmet 100 is shown to tear at an intersection area 121, or point wherethe horn 122 meets the crown, as if the horns grew from within thehelmet through the interior surface 116 and the exterior surface 124.Portions of the crown 102 are thus shown to extend above the generallydomed, or bowl-like crown. These raised, or torn portions 126, generallyform a skirt and circumscribe the intersection area 121 between the horn122 and the crown 102 consisting of peaks 123 and valleys 125 ofmaterial formerly forming the intact crown 102 such that the raised areais jagged. Preferably, the intersection area 121 and raised portions 126are non-geometric, so as to promote a natural appearance of the horns122 having sprouted from within the helmet 100.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the helmet 100 shown in FIG. 1. In thisview, the torn portion 126 of the crown 102 is clearly shown as ifhaving been peeled away to permit the horn 122 to extend therefrom. Inthis embodiment, the horn 122 first extends rearwardly, away from facemask 106 in a direction generally down toward earpiece 104 and thenbegins to curl forward toward the face mask, resembling the shape of theemblem 120 conventionally used by the St. Louis Rams.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of helmet 100 in accordance with thefirst embodiment of the present invention, while FIG. 4 depicts a rearview thereof. Each of these views shows how the torn portion 126 ofhelmet 100 circumscribes the horns 122, and how the intersection area121 is adapted to smoothly transition from the crown 102 to the horns.

As shown in FIG. 5, a bottom view of helmet 100, and as previouslydiscussed, the interior surface 116 of helmet 100 may include padding118. As conventionally used in football helmets, this padding 118 maycomprise upper padding 118 a, generally located in the crown 102 portionof the helmet, and lower padding 118 b generally located below the upperpadding and extending down into the earpiece 104 to protect the ears.Additional padded sections may wrap around the edge 128 of the crown 102and earpiece 104. These additional padded sections include the foreheadpadding 118 c and spine padding 118 d.

It is preferable that no portion of the horns 122 extend through theinterior surface 116 of the crown. This enables the helmet 100 to beworn, if so desired and if suitably sized. Preferably, helmets inaccordance with this invention, such as helmet 100, are miniature sizedand are not typically worn. Rather, they may be displayed or carried andexhibited to show an allegiance to a particular sporting team.

FIG. 6 depicts a frontal view of a helmet 200 in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment isparticularly suited for use by fans of the Green Bay Packers of theNational Football League. Like the previous embodiment, this helmet 200includes a crown 202, earpieces 204, and face mask 206. Rather thanhaving horns as the previous embodiment, helmet 200 includes afictitious block of cheese 250 mounted upon the crown 202, as if thecheese 250 morphed out of the crown 202. The cheese 250 is generallytriangular with a leading point 252 facing toward the front of thehelmet. Angled back toward the rear of the helmet are trailing points253, 255. The top surface 254 of the cheese 250 is generally flat, whilethe bottom surface (not shown) is also generally flat and parallel tothe top surface. At the area of intersection 221 of the crown 202 andthe bottom surface (not shown) of the cheese 250, the crown 202 isblended into the cheese such that a chamfered portion 256 is created.

In addition to being triangular, the cheese may be adorned with variouscraters 258, such as those conventionally existing in a block of Swisscheese. In addition, the crown portion 202 of the helmet 200 may includecraters 258. The overall effect of the cheese 250 mounted upon the crown202 is intended to be that of a block of cheese having morphed from thecrown 202. As such, the transition area, or area of intersection 221,between the crown and the cheese 250 is preferably smooth andcontinuous, such as by chamfering.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the helmet 200. As with the previousembodiment, the helmet 200 may be adorned with an emblem 220corresponding to the particular team in which the helmet represents. Inaddition to the emblem 220, certain embodiments, such as this one, mayinclude painted stripes 230 along the center line of the helmet 200,from front to back. In this case, the stripe 230 also extends over thecheese 250 to further promote the appearance of the cheese havingmorphed from the helmet 200.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the helmet 200. In addition tothose elements previously discussed as being included on a conventionalhelmet, the helmet 200 also includes a chin strap 232 that may mountedto each earpiece 204. Generally, the chin strap 232 is mounted by use ofa male snap member (not shown) mounted on the earpiece 204 which mayconnect to a female snap member 234 forming a portion of the chin strap232, as in a conventional helmet. As further shown in FIG. 8, the cheese250 is integrally molded to the crown 202, forming a chamfered section256 circumscribing the intersection area 221 of the crown and thecheese.

Also shown in FIG. 8 is an ear hole 205 provided through the earpiece205. It will be appreciated that the ear hole 205 permits one wearingthe helmet 200 to be capable of hearing sounds emanating from outsidethe helmet.

FIG. 9 depicts a frontal view of a helmet 300 in accordance with a thirdembodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is particularlysuited for fans of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.In this embodiment, the crown 302 is molded such that a fin 350, such asthat of a dolphin, appears to be splashing through the crown 302. In theareas directly adjacent the fin 350, the crown 302 is rippled to givethe appearance of it being liquified. These liquified areas 352 blendseamlessly into the crown 302. The liquified area 352 completelycircumscribes the fin 350 at the intersection of the fin and the crown302.

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the helmet 300 in accordance with thethird embodiment of the present invention. As shown clearly in FIG. 10,the liquefied portion 352 includes peaks 353 and valleys 355, just as areal wave.

FIG. 11 depicts a helmet 400 in accordance with a fourth embodiment ofthe present invention. This particular helmet 400 is particularly suitedfor use by fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National FootballLeague.

In this embodiment, a rivet 450 appears to have been punched through thecrown 402 of the helmet 400. To simulate this forceful penetration, thehelmet 400 is shown to have cracked, including cracked particles 452 andsplintered edges 454. The splintered edges 454 are formed from the crown402 and curl out slightly at the point of intersection between theintact crown 402 and the rivet 450, such that the crown and the rivetblend seamlessly together. As with the other embodiments, the crown 402and the secondary element protruding therefrom, in this case the rivet450, are typically integrally molded.

The rivet 450 typically appears in the form of a conventional rivet. Assuch, it includes a mushroom shaped head 456 at its distal end 458 and acylindrical shaft 460 extending from the mushroom shaped head 456 to theproximal end 462. As shown in FIG. 11, a portion of the cylindricalshaft 460 may penetrate through the crown 402 in two locations, suchthat it extends from an exterior surface 424 of the helmet 400 throughthe interior surface 416 and back out the exterior surface.

The mushroom shaped head 456 of the rivet 450 may include an emblem 420associated with a particular sporting team, such as the PittsburghSteelers.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the helmet 400. In this view, it isclearly shown that the splintered edges 454 may be spaced apart by opensections 464 to give the appearance of the proximal end 462 of the rivet450 having been punched through the crown 402 so as to crack the crown.As previously stated, the splintered edges 454 may bend or otherwisedeform in deformed areas 466 at the intersection of the crown 402 andthe rivet 450. These deformed areas 466 help to give the appearance ofthe rivet 450 having penetrated the crown 402.

In addition, it should be clear that the cracked particles 452 may bebroken completely away from the crown 402. Each is preferably integrallymolded with the rivet 450.

In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, such as shown in FIG.13, a rivet 550 may give the appearance of having been heated beyond themelting point of the material comprising the crown 502 of the helmet 500and then having been passed through the crown 502 by melting the crown.In this regard, the crown 502 may form melted areas 566 at the pointswhere the rivet 550 intersects the crown 502. FIG. 14 depicts aperspective view of the helmet 500 in accordance with the fifthembodiment. In order to give the appearance of having been heated, therivet 550 may be painted a bright color consisting of yellows andoranges.

The five embodiments depicted are intended to display only the preferredembodiments of the present invention. Generally, these embodimentsinclude a secondary element either extending from a torn helmet,morphing from within a helmet, splashing through a “liquified” helmet,extending from a cracked helmet, or extending through a helmet havingundergone a phase change, such as by melting. In addition to theembodiments shown, the following describes examples of helmetcompositions that might be considered for use in the present inventionfor the various teams of the National Football League. In no event isthis list to be considered as complete. Rather, it details exemplaryembodiments of the inventor.

-   -   Chicago Bears: The helmet may have bear claws (painted in full        color to be realistic) tearing out of the helmet from right to        left. The claws may protrude out of the tears. The helmet may be        molded with jagged edges to represent tearing of the helmet and        logos.    -   Cincinnati Bangles: The helmet may have tiger claws (painted in        full color to be realistic) tearing out of the helmet from back        to the front, hitting and cracking the face mask. The helmet may        be molded with jagged edges to represent tearing of the helmet        and logos.    -   Buffalo Bills: The helmet may have buffalo horns (painted in        full color to be realistic) tearing out of the left and right        helmet logos. The helmet may be molded with jagged edges to        represent tearing of the helmet and logos.    -   Denver Broncos: The helmet may have a mane of horse hair flowing        from the front of the helmet to the back. The mane may be        painted in team colors.    -   Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The helmet may have wooden planks molded        out of plastic conforming to the shape of the helmet. The planks        may be painted to look like an old wooden pirate ship.        Alternatively, a skull may be molded to the back of the helmet.        The skull may be shown wearing turban like head gear emblazoned        team colors.    -   Arizona Cardinals: The helmet may include a cardinal's head        bursting (as if breaking out of an egg) out of the right side        logo. Bumps and dents may be included on the helmet to look like        the bird was pecking at the inside of the helmet prior to his        escape. The helmet paint may be chipped and cracked around the        bumps and dents.    -   San Diego Chargers: Most of the helmet paint may be cracked.        Large and small sections of the paint may be missing to expose        storm clouds and lightning.    -   Kansas City Chiefs: The helmet may include an arrow hitting the        back of a helmet split the helmet in two. The helmet may show        tears along the path of the arrow. Alternatively, the helmet may        include an arrowhead split in half each with each half being        molded to, and mounted on, one side of the helmet. Mounted at        the rear of each arrowhead may be a split arrow shaft molded to        the contour of the helmet. The arrow shaft may become one at the        back of the helmet. The helmet may be molded with jagged plastic        to represent tearing of the helmet.    -   Indianapolis Colts: The helmet may include two horse shoes        molded to look as if a horse had kicked back from the inside of        the helmet. This gives the appearance that the force stretched        the helmet, or morphed the helmet. There are no breaks or tears        in the helmet. The paint around this stretched or morphed area        may be cracked or missing.    -   Dallas Cowboys: The helmet may morph into a ten gallon hat        molded and fastened to the top of the helmet. A        three-dimensional old fashion sheriff's bade (star) may        represent the Cowboy logo. Alternatively, the helmet may be        molded to represent cowhide. The helmet may then be morphed to        give the appearance that the cowhide was branded.    -   Miami Dolphins: As shown with respect to the third embodiment, a        dolphin fin may be molded with the top of the helmet. The        dolphin fin may be molded so as to give the appearance of the        helmet having been “liquefied” such that the fin is moving        through water. Further molding may give the appearance of water        flowing around the fin. This area may be painted such that the        paint fades gradually from the color of seawater to the helmet        color.    -   Philadelphia Eagles: The helmet may include two wings tearing        out of the front left and right helmet logo. The helmet may        include jagged edges to represent tearing of the helmet and        logos.    -   Atlanta Falcons: Two falcon claws may tear out of the left and        right helmet logos pushing forward as if to catch their prey.        The helmet may be molded with jagged edges to represent tearing        of the helmet and logo.    -   New York Giants: The statue of liberty crown may tear out of the        helmet. The helmet may be molded with jagged edges to represent        tearing of the helmet and logo.    -   Jacksonville Jaguars: Claws may stretch or morph the helmet to        give the appearance of trying to break the helmet from the        inside. The claws may not tear through helmet. The paint may be        cracked and chipped around the stretched portions.    -   New York Jets: The helmet may be ripped or torn to as if the        helmet was going through a high speed forward motion. The peeled        back team logo may reveal the skin of a jet plane.        Alternatively, the helmet may be morphed to include a visor and        oxygen mask to give the appearance of a cross between a sport        helmet and a pilot's helmet.    -   Detroit Lions: The helmet may include a molded lion mane (front        of the helmet) and lion tail (back of the helmet) morphed from        the helmet. Alternatively, lion claws may be shown to tear out        of the helmet. The helmet may be molded with jagged edges to        represent tearing of the helmet and logo.    -   Tennessee Titans: The helmet may include a shield stretching or        morphing from the side of the helmet. The shield may transition        from the colors of the Titans' logo to a metallic color, such as        silver. In addition, portions of the helmet may crack.    -   Green Bay Packers: As shown in the second embodiment, a wedge        cut piece of cheese may be morphed from the top of the helmet.        The helmet may include nicks and half cut circles to match the        cheese wedge. Alternatively, wooden planks may be molded to the        helmet to give the appearance of a crate with broker plank as if        something is trying to break out.    -   Carolina Panthers: The helmet may include the head of a panther        tearing out the right side logo. The helmet may be molded with        jagged edges to represent tearing of the helmet and logo.    -   New England Patriots: The helmet may be molded to include a        patriot hat morphed from the helmet. The logo on the helmet may        be morphed to give the appearance of a patch a soldier might        have worn.    -   Oakland Raiders: The helmet may include two swords tearing        through the helmet. One sword may enter from the front left and        extend to the back right while the other enters from the back        left and exits the front right, such that the swords meet in the        center tearing the helmet along their path. The helmet may be        molded with jagged edges to represent tearing of the helmet and        logo. Alternatively, a skull molded to the back of the helmet        wearing turban may be morphed from the helmet.    -   St. Louis Rams: As in the first embodiment, two ram horns may        tear out of the left and right side logos. The helmet may be        molded with jagged edges to represent tearing of the helmet and        logos.    -   Baltimore Ravens: A raven may tear out of the helmet right side        logo. One claw of the Raven may be pushing down on the torn        helmet and the raven's head may push up on the torn helmet        trying to make its way out. The helmet may be molded with jagged        edges to represent tearing of the helmet and logos.    -   Washington Redskins: The redskin logo may be molded in three        dimensions (like a coin). Full color and three-dimensional        feathers may extend off the logo.    -   New Orleans Saints: The Saints logo made to look like stained        glass, and may extend, or morph, from the helmet in        three-dimensions.    -   Seattle Seahawks: The head of a hawk may stretch, or morph, the        helmet in an attempt to “get out” from within the helmet. The        paint may crack around this stretching.    -   Pittsburgh Steelers: As shown in the fourth embodiment, a rivet        may be shown to give the appearance of having been punched        through a helmet. The helmet may be cracked in the penetrated        areas. Alternatively, as shown in the fifth embodiment, a molten        metal rivet may be driven through a helmet, which is locally        melted in the areas where the rivet contacts the helmet. The        rivet may be painted to look red hot. A three-dimensional steel        logo may be engraved in the head of the rivet.    -   Houston Texans: Steer horns may tear through the left and right        side logos of the helmet.    -   Tennessee Titans: Swords may be shown to tear out of the helmet.        The helmet may include jagged edges to represent such tearing.    -   Minnesota Vikings: Viking horns may tear through the left and        right side logos of the helmet. The helmet may include jagged        edges to represent such tearing. Alternatively, the helmet may        include a Viking morphing from the helmet.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrated embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. Headgear comprising: a generally domed-shaped crown having anexterior surface; and a decorative secondary element extending from saidexterior surface at an intersection area between said crown and saidsecondary element; wherein a portion of said exterior surface of saidcrown is raised above the intersection area to evince an associationbetween the secondary element and the manner in which it extends fromthe crown.
 2. The headgear of claim 1, wherein said secondary elementand said crown are integrally molded to one another.
 3. The headgear ofclaim 1, wherein said secondary element is indicia suggesting oridentifying one of a particular sporting club, a business name and acorporate logo.
 4. The headgear of claim 1, wherein said secondaryelement is indicia identifying one of a mascot and a team name.
 5. Theheadgear of claim 1, wherein said secondary element is only partiallyformed.
 6. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising a facemaskconnected to said crown.
 7. The headgear of claim 1, wherein said raisedportion of said exterior surface of said crown gives the appearance ofsaid secondary element tearing through said crown.
 8. The headgear ofclaim 1, wherein said raised portion of said exterior surface of saidcrown gives the appearance of said secondary element morphing out ofsaid crown.
 9. The headgear of claim 1, wherein said raised portion ofsaid exterior surface of said crown gives the appearance of saidsecondary element splashing through said crown in a liquefied state. 10.The headgear of claim 1, wherein said raised portion of said exteriorsurface of said crown gives the appearance of said secondary elementcracking said crown.
 11. The headgear of claim 1, wherein said raisedportion of said exterior surface of said crown gives the appearance ofsaid secondary element altering the phase of said crown.
 12. Theheadgear of claim 11, wherein said phase altering is melting.
 13. Theheadgear of claim 1, wherein said intersection area is non-linear. 14.The headgear of claim 1, wherein said intersection area isnon-geometric.
 15. The headgear of claim 1, wherein said raised portionof said exterior surface of said crown is jagged.
 16. The headgear ofclaim 1, further comprising crown particles in said raised portion, saidcrown particles having the appearance of having been separated from saidcrown.
 17. The headgear of claim 16, wherein the appearance ofseparation is by cracking.
 18. The headgear of claim 1, wherein saidraised portion of said exterior surface of said crown completelycircumscribes said intersection area.
 19. The headgear of claim 1,wherein said secondary element is non-elastomeric.
 20. The headgear ofclaim 1, wherein said crown further includes an interior surface, saidheadgear further comprising padding attached to said interior surface.21. The headgear of claim 1, wherein said crown and said secondaryelement are monolithic.
 22. The headgear of claim 1, wherein saidsecondary element is horns to identify or suggest the Los Angeles Ramsof the National Football League.
 23. The headgear of claim 1, whereinsaid secondary element is a block of cheese to identify or suggest theGreen Bay Packers of the National Football League.
 24. The headgear ofclaim 1, wherein said secondary element is a dolphin fin to identify orsuggest the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.
 25. Theheadgear of claim 1, wherein said secondary element is a rivet toidentify or suggest the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National FootballLeague.
 26. The headgear of claim 1, further comprising artwork adorningsaid crown, wherein said secondary element is associated with saidartwork.
 27. A helmet comprising: a generally domed-shaped crown havingan exterior surface; a facemask attached to said crown; and a secondaryelement extending from said exterior surface of said crown; wherein saidsecondary element and said crown are integrally molded to one another.28. The helmet of claim 27, wherein said crown and said secondaryelement are monolithic.
 29. The helmet of claim 27, wherein saidsecondary element is non-elastomeric.
 30. The helmet of claim 27,wherein said secondary element and said crown are molded to give theappearance of said crown tearing from pressure applied by said secondaryelement.
 31. The helmet of claim 27, wherein said secondary element andsaid crown are molded to give the appearance of said secondary elementmorphing from said crown.
 32. The helmet of claim 27, wherein saidsecondary element and said crown are molded to give the appearance ofsaid secondary element splashing through said crown in a liquefiedstate.
 33. The helmet of claim 27, wherein said secondary element andsaid crown are molded to give the appearance of said secondary elementcracking said crown.
 34. The helmet of claim 27, wherein said secondaryelement and said crown are molded to give the appearance of said crownhaving undergone a phase alteration.
 35. An article for promoting asporting club comprising a base having a concave underside surface and askirt at least partially circumscribing said underside surface, whereinsaid article is adapted to be attached to the convex crown of a helmetsuch that said skirt extends above the attachment point of said concaveunderside surface with said convex crown.
 36. The article of claim 35,wherein said skirt is adapted to give the appearance of said articletearing through the helmet when attached thereto.
 37. The article ofclaim 35, wherein said skirt is adapted to give the appearance of saidarticle morphing from the helmet when attached thereto.
 38. The articleof claim 35, wherein said skirt is adapted to give the appearance ofsaid article splashing through the helmet when attached thereto.
 39. Thearticle of claim 35, wherein said skirt is adapted to give theappearance of the helmet being cracked when attached thereto.
 40. Thearticle of claim 35, wherein said skirt is adapted to give theappearance of the helmet having undergone a phase alteration whenattached thereto.
 41. The article of claim 35, wherein said skirt isnon-geometric.